Sedition Act: Wisma Putra disappointed over US Ambassador's remark

Malaysia has called for the United States to respect the internal affairs of the country and any decision on the Sedition Act 1948 is an internal matter.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, in a statement, said that Malaysia is disappointed that the United States' Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Y. Yun, who has chosen to highlight his unwarranted comments on the decision made by the government.

“Malaysia regrets the comments made by His Excellency Joseph Y. Yun on the latest developments relating to the government of Malaysia’s decision to retain the Sedition Act 1948, in an interview with an online news portal.

“Wisma Putra has summoned the US Ambassador to the Ministry on December 10 to explain the US’ position on the matter,” said Anifah.

He added that the act does not hinder a vibrant democracy, but is a preventive measure to ensure that no parties would incite religious and racial tension that could jeopardize peace and stability in the country.

Anifah added that any unwarranted comments on the decisions of the government would be regarded as an interference in the country’s internal affairs.

“Malaysia wishes to remind all parties that the decision relating to the Sedition Act 1948 is a prerogative of the government. Despite the interest of external parties on the subject, any decisions of the government on the Act are an internal matter,” he said.

Yun told a news portal that the Sedition Act, if wielded too far, would infringe on human rights.

"Clearly if it goes too far, of course it will. And again, you must have a balance for the need for protecting speech, protecting expression, protecting dissent, protecting all positions, against the needs of safeguarding the society," he was quoted as saying to the portal.